Liposuction

Liposuction, often referred to as ‘lipo’ and also known as ‘liposculpture’, is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure regularly performed by Mr Chris Fenn, consultant plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon in Leeds, West Yorkshire, on those who want to improve their body shape.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to redefine the body contour by permanently removing stubborn excess fat from specific parts of the body.

The procedure, which involves fat being removed via suction, can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with most other cosmetic surgery procedures.

What are the benefits of liposuction?

The distribution of fat cells in every individual’s body is largely determined by genetics, hormones and lifestyle. Many people find that despite maintaining a healthy weight and exercising, they still have areas of localised fat which they are unable to shift.

These fatty deposits most frequently collect on the bottom, tummy, hips and thighs. Other areas include upper arms, knees, ankles, chin and neck.

The common feeling amongst those opting for liposuction is that their body is unbalanced – they may, for example, have slim shoulders and torso but overly large hips and thighs. This can have a significant impact on self-confidence – particularly because the fat distribution cannot be changed by diet or exercise.

By removing the unwanted fat through liposuction, the body profile appears more proportionate with an improved contour and this usually leads to an increase in confidence and self-esteem. In addition, patients often say they are able to wear clothing that they would have been unable to wear prior to the surgery.

Am I suitable for liposuction?

It is worth noting that liposuction is not a weight loss treatment and should only be considered when you have reached your ideal body weight. If, at that point, you find that you have fatty excess on specific parts of your body which you are unable to improve with exercise, then liposuction could be an option for you.

Popular areas for Liposuction;

1. Abdomen

2. Flanks

3. Inner Thighs

4. Outer Thighs

To assess your suitability, you would need to organise an appointment with Mr Chris Fenn. After a discussion about your medical history and a physical examination, Mr Fenn will be able to confirm whether or not you would benefit from liposuction.

During the same appointment, Mr Fenn will also discuss the risks associated with liposuction and will encourage you to ask questions and take your time to think about the procedure before you decide to go ahead.

What does liposuction involve?

Liposuction tends to be performed under a general anaesthetic although local anaesthetic can be used if there is only a very small amount of fat to be removed. If the procedure is performed in isolation, it generally takes between 1-2 hours and involves an overnight stay in hospital. Both theatre time and length of stay are longer if the liposuction is combined with another cosmetic surgery procedure.

There are various techniques used to perform liposuction and Mr Fenn will confirm the most appropriate method for you during your initial consultation.

Body-jet/water-jet assisted liposuction

Body jet liposuction is a relatively new technique and the method most frequently used by Mr Fenn.

One or more small incisions are made into the appropriate area and a special cannula (thin tube) is inserted into the fatty tissue. Through this, pulses of saline solution gently dislodge the unwanted cells. The fat, together with the saline fluid, is suctioned off using the same liposuction cannula and the cut is neatly sutured leaving minimal scarring.

Body jet liposuction tends to be popular with patients as it uses less force than the more traditional techniques and as a result there is less swelling and bruising.

Traditional wet liposuction

The traditional wet liposuction technique involves injecting a liquid mixture consisting of local anaesthetic, adrenaline and saline into the zones planned for liposuction. This makes it simpler to remove the fat cells and also reduces bleeding and bruising.

A standard liposuction cannula, which is attached to a vacuum pump, is inserted via a small cut and moved around the fatty tissue to ‘suck out’ the unwanted fat cells and fluid. Once the procedure is complete, the incision is closed with sutures.

Traditional dry liposuction

Dry liposuction is similar to the wet lipo method in that it uses a cannula and vacuum pump to suction the fat, but it does not involve the injection of fluid. This tends to produce more bruising and discomfort. As a technique, this is no longer a favoured option.

How long does it take to recover?

The recovery time depends on the technique used and whether or not the liposuction procedure has been performed in combination with other cosmetic surgery procedures.

You will need to wear a Lycra garment or compression bandage for approximately 4-6 weeks after the surgery. This will help to reduce swelling and will support your body as it settles into its new shape.

You may find that you are bruised, swollen and tender for several weeks after surgery. This is normal and all part of the healing process. The discomfort associated with liposuction tends to be less with the Body-Jet technique due to the gentler approach and recovery is usually quicker than with the more traditional lipo methods.

Depending on your line of work, you should be able to return to work 2-3 weeks after surgery. This is something Mr Fenn will advise you on prior to the operation.

Whilst you will be encouraged to stay mobile after the surgery, you will be asked to avoid any vigorous activity until around 6 weeks after surgery.

You will need to attend a number of follow-up appointments with both Mr Fenn and the cosmetic surgery nursing team to ensure your wounds are healing as they should.

Once your body is fully healed, it is important to remember that the results can be very satisfying and long lasting as long as a healthy weight is maintained.